PSU Mascot in need of image upgrade

[BroadwayVik]

The PSU mascot, "Victor E. Viking" is a holdover from D-II and probably even NAIA days. Why does this mascot have red hair? Most Vikings have either blond, brown or black hair don't they? Did someone decide on Erik the Red for a mascot and then rename him?

Whoever was in charge of this responsibility in the day has obviously has poor taste. The look is the look of a small-time, unsupported program. One way to make the athletics program better is to exhibit good taste that would attract an overall winning perception. Our joke of a tradition would allow us to junk "Victory Viking" altogether and begin anew with something that works better.

You know what? I don't care what our honored dinosaurs like Teri Mariani and Roy Love have to say about it. Do you? Isn't it high time they let the younger generation take the reins for a while? Absolutely!

 

[pdxfan]

Funny. Are the Minnesota Vikings small town? It may be you're confusing the present reputation of our football team with the name. When we win the name will improve amazingly.

 

[BroadwayVik]

There's obviously no confusion: A bad image is a bad image whether winning or losing. The issue has nothing to do with the NFL Vikings from Minnesota. We could be winners with ugly uniforms and there would be a call to make the image better. It is about being proud or embarrassed of your alma mater (or university-of-choice). Right now, the feeling is one of utter embarrassment.

What we need is a ripping good image, a sustainably lasting image. We don't have it yet. I suggest we get rid of the haplessly conceived (and ill-named) Victory Viking and adopt a more timeless image, preferably from the annuls of classical or popular literature, worthy of university students and alumni. Think of the USC Trojan or "the Duck" patterned after Donald Duck or the Leprechaun at ND. These are very iconic symbols.

Perhaps Thor, the legendary god of thunder, would be a good choice for PSU. He is a Viking and a god like the Greek gods of old, but from a northern mythololgy. Look, if the UO can choose a comic book character in Donald Duck, we have every right to one as well. Let's make a deal with Marvel the way they did with Disney. Let us instill a compelling mythology into the Portland State name to honor and catalyze forward that vison of which the founder, Stephen Epler (and the original class of returning WWII veterans) had conceived.

Let's not consent to maintain the current cheap image, but rather one worthy of a university that is intent on building itself in excellence. Let's support that goal, that mission. Every little bit helps and adds up to formulate the identity that grabs hold and is sustained in people's hearts and minds. Besides, wouldn't a great public university make the private ones in the area look all the better? Think Pittsburgh & Carnegie-Mellon.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1627341-power-ranking-the-25-best-mascots-in-college-football
Tell me: Which great university athletics program lacks a great mascot concept and adjoining mythology?